Joining Forces Against Breast Cancer And Prostate Cancer At The 15th Annual Walk For Beauty, Walk For Life

Conferences & Events
Joining Forces Against Breast Cancer And Prostate Cancer At The 15th Annual Walk For Beauty, Walk For Life

Dr. Steven Strongwater, SBUMC CEO, addresses walkers just prior to departure.

Stony Brook University Medical Center physicians and staff will join forces with the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) to raise money and awareness for breast cancer and prostate cancer on October 5 at the 15th annual “Walk for Beauty, Walk for Life.” The event raises funds for breast and prostate cancer research at SBUMC. Co-Sponsored by SBUMC and WMHO, the Walk has raised nearly $1 million since its inception in 1994.

The walk originally began to raise awareness about breast cancer and screening for the disease. It quickly grew into a well-attended community event with the proceeds supporting cutting-edge breast cancer research at Stony Brook University Medical Center. In 2002, Walk for Beauty broadened its scope to include prostate cancer research. Breast and prostate cancer are the most common cancers in women and men, respectively.

SBU President, Shirley Strum Kenny, cuts the ribbon on the starting line. Pictured with Dr. Kenny from left, Dr. Richard Fine, Dean, School of Medicine, Elaine Strongwater, Dr. Steven Strongwater, CEO, Gloria Rocchio, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Senator John Flanagan, Yvonne Spreckels, Community Relations, SBUMC, Suffolk County Legislator, Vivian Viloria-Fisher, and their fellow walkers.

Researchers at SBUMC are seeking ways to diagnose both diseases earlier as well as discover more effective and targeted therapies.

Proceeds from the Walk have also financed top-of-the-line cancer detection equipment, as well as wigs and other quality of life items for patients with minimal financial resources.

“Each year the Walk helps make significant strides in battle against breast and prostate cancer,” says Gloria Rocchio, Walk for Beauty committee co-chair and WMHO President. “We are happy to team up with Stony Brook University Medical Center and the entire community once again to continue this success.”

"Our community and business supporters, cancer survivors, and countless walkers have made this event a huge success over the years,” adds co-chair Yvonne Spreckels, Director, Community Relations at SBUMC.

SBU Volleyball Team cheers on walkers.

The walk for Beauty, Walk for Life begins at Stony Brook Post Office in the Stony Brook Village Center. There are two routes – a 4 kilometer and a 6 kilometer. Both routes are scenic and run through Avalon Park and Preserve and quiet neighborhoods near the Long Island Sound, passing historic landmarks such as the Stony Brook Grist Mill and the Three Village Inn.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Shuttle buses run continuously from the South P-Lot on the Stony Brook University Campus beginning at 7:30 a.m. for walkers who want to avoid village traffic.

Individual and team registration is available. Special fundraising challenges include incentives and raffle prizes for individuals and teams. For more information and to register, call Stony Brook University HealthConnect® at (631) 444-4000.

-30-

Back to Formatted Article